This is an unprecedented move for the Bolshoi, and I believe should be credited in part to the Bolshoi's new director, who seems determined to gather the creme de la creme as he creates a troupe that includes his preferred dancers. The first one to make the shift is Olga Smirnova, who had barely finished her graduation performances before being recruited from the Vaganova Academy in Saint Petersburg. She was a polished dancer (some say a real ballerina) even 2 yrs ago while still a student.

Congratulations to David Hallberg and to the Bolshoi for this new development!

Thanks, Francis, for this news. What a surprise! I thought that he was on his way to the Mariinsky.

I join you wholehearted, Catherine, in your congratulations to David Hallberg, who is an exceptional talent and also seems like an extremely nice person. Also as you imply this shows that a lot of wonderfully exciting things are happening, and hopefully will continue to happen, at the Bolshoi.

This amazingly beautiful dancer, going directly from the Vaganova school to the Bolshoi as a Soloist, is already scheduled to perform such roles as the Lilac Fairy ("Sleeping Beauty"), the Dryad Queen ("Don Quixote") and Myrtha ("Giselle") in November.

The good news for Olga Smirnova lovers left behind in Saint Petersburg is that there is now a fast train, 3 1/2 hours(?), to Moscow. It is rumored (by myself, anyway) that the fast train was built to keep up with her career.

David Hallberg

This newest Bolshoi Principal Dancer will peform the leads in "Don Quixote, " "Giselle" and "Sleeping Beauty" in November.

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